COURTESY OF CASTINE KAYAK
Three Tour Companies Offer Opportunities for Adventure
A visit to Castine promises the quintessential coastal Maine experience without the crowds. With the added bonus of a rich history that locals are proud to share, history buffs, nature lovers and those seeking a place to unwind will find much to enjoy while exploring Castine.
With three active tour companies offering different types of tours, travelers can spend a day learning about all that Castine has to offer with this ideal itinerary.
9 a.m. Take a Land Tour with Castine Touring Company
The day begins at the town dock where many visitors to Castine have arrived over the centuries. Meet one of Castine Touring Company’s friendly volunteer drivers for a ride around the peninsula on Scarlett, a six-passenger electric vehicle. You’ll see all the town has to offer and decide where you want to spend more time later. Visit Castine’s Dyce Head Lighthouse, Revolutionary War forts, Federalist style ship captain’s homes dating from the 18th century and much more. Stop at the Castine Historical Society and Wilson Museum and learn about Castine’s heyday in the earliest years of the country’s founding.
Tours at the dock are available on a drop-in basis. Reserved tours are available at CastineTouringCompany.org
10:30 a.m. Return to the town dock
Explore the local shops and art galleries on foot and make a plan for lunch.
11:00* a.m. Take a Cruise on Lil’ Toot with Castine Cruises
Bring a picnic lunch or snacks and climb aboard Lil’ Toot, named for the little red tugboat in the famous childrens’ book, for a cruise around Castine Harbor. While exploring Smith Cove and cruising up the Bagaduce you’ll enjoy a narrated tour of the harbor which was the site of the Penobscot Expedition naval battle during the Revolutionary War. Watch for eagles, osprey and harbor seals and more local wildlife or just sit back and enjoy the views.
*4 p.m. cruises also available. Guests can choose from 45 minute or 1.5 hour trips and private tours are available. Visit castinecruises.com for more details.
1:30 p.m. – Rest and Enjoy the Afternoon
Spend the afternoon relaxing in the town common, exploring Witherle Woods or Backshore Beach. Reserve dinner at the Pentagöet Inn or Danny Murphy’s Pub for more casual fare.
8 p.m. Paddle through Bioluminescent Waters with Castine Kayak Adventures
After dinner and the sun begins to go down, head back to the dock to gear up for a nighttime kayak tour. Castine’s waters are one of the few places in the world that are home to bioluminescent organisms that can only be seen at night. Under the direction of certified Maine guides, you will paddle around the harbor and enjoy the islands in a different way under a canopy of stars. Dip your kayak paddle into the water and stir up the seaweed to see the water sparkle.
Morning, afternoon and all-day tours are also available. For information on more tour options, visit Castinekayak.com
